Tearpalm serves as the primary musical outlet for Marko Dabetić, also known as MMM, a writer, art historian, and electronic musician based in Belgrade. Drawing inspiration from the krautrock and space rock of the late 1960s and early 1970s, as well as the early British industrial scene and New York's guitar noise of the 1980s, Tearpalm began as a one-man studio project in Niš in 2007. During this initial phase, the project released two full-length albums through the pioneering Croatian indie label Slušaj najglasnije, along with a download-only transitional release for Crime:Scene Records (formerly Dark:Scene Records) based in Novi Sad.
Tearpalm's debut album, "Prijatelj sa Duhovima Mesta," arrived in 2008 and garnered attention, securing a spot on KZSU's (the official radio station of Stanford University) top ten list for classical, electronic, and experimental albums, where it was featured alongside contemporary works by Emeralds, Ólafur Arnalds, and Ivan Čkonjević. This album included a bonus disc featuring remixes by various Serbian electronic artists and bands, including Margita je mrtva, Lezet, Figurative Theatre, DeepArtMent, and THIRD I.
In 2009, Tearpalm released a second full-length album and contributed tracks to several compilations, including “That’s Romance,” a tribute to the influential industrial musician John Zewizz, curated by Brad Miller and endorsed by Zewizz himself. Proceeds from the compilation's sales in the U.S. supported a polar bear benefit initiative. Additionally, that year marked Tearpalm's involvement in the “Clyde Parker Sessions,” a multinational project led by French electronic artist Monolith & Cobalt.
Later in 2009, Marko relocated to Belgrade, where Tearpalm's live performances evolved into a trio comprising MMM on computers, guitar, keyboards, and occasional vocals, Miloš Dabetić on bass, and Dimitrije Cvetković (known for his ambient/breakbeat project Plavo Tkivo) on keyboards and effects. Since then, Tearpalm has regularly performed at various clubs and venues in Belgrade that embrace alternative sounds, such as Žica, 20/44, SKC LivingRoom, Underworld, UK Parobrod, and Fest, sharing the stage with a diverse array of bands and electronic artists, from stoner rock acts like Jewy Sabatay and Brigand to industrial acts like Figurative Theatre and THIRD I, as well as abstract electronic projects such as Dunduew, [C. T. D.], Disphilharmonia from Skopje, and Asino Elettronico’s Nemanja Lazić.
In 2011, Tearpalm ventured beyond Belgrade, performing at CK13 in Novi Sad and Dom Omladine Pančevo (the latter as part of the Novo Doba festival), where they shared the stage with Vladimir Lenhart (Lenhart Tapes) and the short-lived Kosmodrom. Concert activities in 2012 featured collaborations with various artists, including Damjan Brkić (a guitarist and founding member of the major Serbian alternative band Klopka za pionira), Lebdi & Koneyn, and international guests Hippy Death Suite from Belgium and E. U. E. R. P. I. from Bulgaria. The live incarnation of Tearpalm, while adaptable to personnel changes and spontaneous guest appearances, primarily settled into a duo format with MMM and Dimitrije. Recent performances have included video contributions from Belgrade-based artist Marina Rajić.
The latter half of 2012 saw Tearpalm release five new works, including the drone ambient piece “Ghost Cumulus in Belgrade Night Sky” (featuring a remix by the reclusive Serbian avant-garde musician Gianni/Druid) and the 5th anniversary compilation “5,” both released through the Serbian independent label Ne-Ton. A private release titled “2,” comprising two unreleased early tracks, was offered as a free download on the band’s Bandcamp page in honor of Mother’s Day. Additionally, the live album “Tearpalm vs. Crocodile Tears,” recorded at Club Fest in Zemun, was released by the newly established South Serbian label Black Planet Records, alongside “Osvit,” a collaboration with Željko Ljubić Pt, the lead guitarist and founding member of the influential Serbian alternative rock band Goribor, issued on CD with Slušaj najglasnije.
Furthermore, Tearpalm has contributed tracks and remixes to various compilations, including Industrial Sabotage (released by CyberfArts, featuring the track “Wake Up ‘n’ Smell the Coffin”), Underground Alliance Trilogy Vol. 1: Heaven (with the track “Crna ogledala”), and Asino Elettronico’s 5th anniversary compilation, which is currently in production (including the track “That Loathsome Tenant / Out to Get Some”). MMM from Tearpalm also provided string synths for Karmakumulator’s cover of the Satan Panonski song “Bajka.” A new “proper” album from Tearpalm is in the mixing stage and is anticipated to be released in 2013.
